Vortex adaption preventer

ABSTRACT

An apparatus to prevent formation of a vortex has a ring-shaped gasket having a bottom surface and a top surface; and a blade assembly mounted on the top surface and comprising a center portion and plural blades of a defined height. Each of the blades extend from the center portion to the top surface, with each pair of the plural blades defining a filter based at least in part on spacing between the pair of plural blades.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of Invention

The present disclosure is generally related to chemical dispensing, andmore particularly, agricultural spraying equipment.

Description of Related Art

Chemical dispensing is important in many industries. For municipalities,chemical dispensing in the form of brine solutions or anti-freezematerial on roads helps to prevent freezing to prevent unsafe roadconditions such as ice build-up. In agriculture, self-propelled and/ortowed spraying equipment are used to dispense various products onto afield that foster the growth of crops and/or hinder or preventinfestation of pests or weeds or other plants that are obstacles toefficient and productive harvesting.

Focusing on agricultural spraying equipment, before spraying operationsare initiated, liquid or powder chemicals are transferred from aneductor, or similarly, inductor hopper, to a main tank. During fillingof the main tank with fresh water, a plumbing system (e.g., venturisystem) creates a suction effect in the eductor to draw out thechemicals. Due to the shape of the eductor and suction volume, a vortexmay occur in the eductor. This vortex creates certain conditions in theplumbing system, including the tank, which may have negativeconsequences on the productivity of the spraying operation. Forinstance, the vortex may provide air in the plumbing system and/or foamin the tank, which may cause failures in tank volume measurements and/orprovide a negative affect on rinse operations.

One solution, disclosed in EP 2946664, appears to reveal (see, e.g.,FIG. 1) pin-shaped vortex break elements of any one of various crosssections (e.g., round, oval, polygonal, etc., as disclosed in paragraph[0016]) that preferably are structured to be much larger in lengthdimension than cross section (paragraph [0013]) that are disposedtowards the bottom volume of a chemical dispenser container (e.g.,drainage area, as described in the abstract). The break elements appearto permit the formation of a vortex initially to enable mixing ofchemicals while also enabling the cleaning of the break elements. Thebreak elements appear to progressively break the whirlpool or vortexaction as the chemical swirls to the drain (see, e.g., paragraph[0013]). Other approaches are desired to provide cost effectivesolutions and/or solutions where the eductors operate according to adifferent design or parameters of operation.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, an apparatus to prevent formation of a vortex, theapparatus comprising a ring-shaped gasket having a bottom surface and atop surface; and a blade assembly mounted on the top surface andcomprising a center portion and plural blades of a defined height, eachof the blades extending from the center portion to the top surface, eachpair of the plural blades defining a filter based at least in part onspacing between the pair of plural blades.

These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from andelucidated with reference to the embodiment(s) described hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Many aspects of a vortex prevention adapter and corresponding system ofthe present disclosure can be better understood with reference to thefollowing drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarilyto scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating theprinciples of a vortex prevention adapter. Moreover, in the drawings,like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout theseveral views.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an example environment in which anembodiment of a vortex prevention adapter may be used.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram that illustrates, in fragmentary view, aportion of example plumbing that connects an eductor, having anembodiment of a vortex prevention adapter, with a main tank.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram that illustrates, in top perspective view,an example eductor equipped with an embodiment of a vortex preventionadapter.

FIG. 4A is a schematic diagram that illustrates, in side elevation,cut-away view, the eductor of FIG. 3 equipped with an embodiment of avortex prevention adapter.

FIG. 4B is a schematic diagram that illustrates, in partial, cut-awayview, an embodiment of the vortex prevention adapter as it is mounted onan outlet of the eductor.

FIGS. 5A-5C are schematic diagrams that illustrate in side elevation,perspective, and overhead plan views, an embodiment of a vortexprevention adapter.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Certain embodiments of a vortex prevention adapter and associatedsystems and methods are disclosed that prevent the formation of a vortexin a chemical container (e.g., eductor, also known as an inductorhopper). In one embodiment, the vortex prevention adapter comprises ablade assembly mounted to a ring-shaped gasket. The blade assemblycomprises plural blades connected to a center portion, each of theblades having multiple outer edges in an angular shape that interruptsthe fluid (chemical) as the fluid is pulled by suction forces to theoutlet of the eductor. The fluid first encounters the blade assembly ata peak formed by the plural blades. In one embodiment, end portions ofthe plural blades are interspersed along a top surface of a gasket by arespective member, each member physically coupled between the topsurface of the gasket and the central portion of the blade assembly. Therespective spacing between blades relative to the gasket define a firstchannel (e.g., when viewed in plan view) that permits the flow of thefluid, and the spacing between each blade and an adjacent memberrelative to the gasket define a second channel that comprises each ofthe bisected segments of the first channel. The second channel defines afilter comprising a filter size or mesh size that limits the passage ofparticulate matter while permitting chemical flow through the eductorand to a product tank. In some embodiments, a different configuration ofblade and member quantities resulting in a different channelconfiguration may be used. For instance, in one embodiment, a pair ofthe plural blades may define a filter depending on the quantity ofblades used and/or the diameter of the gasket and/or drain.

Digressing briefly, vortex formation in a process whereby chemicals inan eductor introduced into a main (product) tank during fresh wateringress to the tank may cause problems. The vortex enables the entry ofair into the plumbing and product tank, which may hamper pump efficiencyand/or, at least with some chemicals, cause foam to form in the tank,preventing the full capacity to be reached and possibly decreasing theeffectiveness of the rinse cycle. Existing solutions include the use ofbreaking elements in the eductor proximal to the drain, though a vortexstill appears to be permitted to initially form, which may add someuncertainty for different eductor designs and/or volumes, pumpcapacities, among other variables, as to whether enough has been done tobreak the vortex completely and prevent air ingress into the producttank and/or plumbing. By equipping the eductor with an embodiment of avortex prevention adapter, vortex formation is prevented (or at leastmitigated), enabling efficient operations of the spraying processwithout the risk that any vortex permitted to be created has notsufficiently been broken down.

Having summarized various features of certain embodiments of a vortexprevention adapter of the present disclosure, reference will now be madein detail to the detailed description of a vortex prevention adapter asillustrated in the drawings. While the disclosure is described inconnection with these drawings, there is no intent to limit it to theembodiment or embodiments disclosed herein. For instance, thoughemphasis is placed on an environment comprising a towed sprayerimplement (e.g., including wheeled implements or hitch (e.g., 3-pointhitch) implements) for the agricultural industry, certain embodiments ofa vortex prevention adapter may be used in a self-propelled unit and/orfor chemical dispensing equipment in other industries. Further, althoughthe description identifies or describes specifics of one or moreembodiments, such specifics are not necessarily part of everyembodiment, nor are all various stated advantages associated with asingle embodiment. On the contrary, the intent is to cover allalternatives, modifications and equivalents included within the scope ofa vortex prevention adapter as defined by the appended claims. Further,it should be appreciated in the context of the present disclosure thatthe claims are not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments setout in the description.

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of anexample environment in which an embodiment of a vortex preventionadapter may be used. In one embodiment, the environment comprises asystem for spraying chemicals, for instance, a towed sprayer 10 (e.g., asprayer towed by a machine, including a tractor, combine, etc., andincluding hitch assemblies). It should be appreciated by one havingordinary skill in the art in the context of the present disclosure thatthe environment may take the form of a different style of towed sprayerequipment or a self-propelled sprayer in the agricultural industry orother industries. The sprayer 10 comprises, fore and aft, among othercomponents, a clean water tank 12 (and platform), a chemical eductor(also referred to herein as an inductor hopper, hopper, eductor) 14, aplumbing system 16 that comprises hoses and/or other fluid transportequipment that fluidly couples the eductor 14 with the clean water tank12, a product tank 18, and an optional auxiliary clean water tank 20.For instance, the clean water tank 20 may be fluidly coupled to theclean water tank 12 for designs requiring a higher volume capacity. Insome circumstances, the capacity may be mandated by local or federalregulations (e.g., requiring a water tank capacity that is 10% of theproduct tank volume), hence in some applications requiring the two tanks12 and 20.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram that illustrates, in fragmentary view,portions of the plumbing system 16 shown in FIG. 1. The plumbingincludes, in relevant part, a venturi 22 coupled to the eductor 14 via ahose 24, the venturi 22 further coupled to the product tank 18 via ahose 26. It should be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in theart that other components may be used in the plumbing, including valves,pumps (visible in FIG. 2), meters, etc.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram that illustrates, in top perspective view,the eductor 14 comprising a container 28 having a volumetric space 30,the container 28 including in the lower portion of the volumetric space30 (e.g., bottom, though not limited to the bottom surface of thecontainer 28) a vortex prevention adapter 32. In one embodiment, thevolumetric space 30 may comprise, from top to bottom, a progressively(e.g., continuously or discontinuously) decreasing volume. For instance,the container 28 may have tapered surfaces (from top to bottom). At thebottom of the container 28 is an outlet or drain 34 (also referred to asa suction adapter) in which the vortex prevention adapter 32 is placed.The eductor 14 further comprises a lid 36.

In general, before spraying operations are initiated, the chemicals aremixed with water and transferred from an eductor 14 to the product tank18. In one example operation, with continued reference to FIGS. 1-3, anoperator opens the lid 36 and dispenses chemicals (e.g., in liquid orpowder form) into the eductor 14, the chemicals occupying at least inpart the volumetric space 30. The operator activates, at an interface, afilling operation, which initiates the filling of fresh water from thewater tank 12 to the product tank 18 and also the ingress of fresh waterthrough mixing nozzles of the eductor 14 (as explained below) tohomogenize the chemical/water mixture. Note that in someimplementations, the filling operation may involve the filling of freshwater into the product tank 18 from a well or storage tank external tothe sprayer 10 or from the fresh water tanks 12 and/or 20. In eithercase, the eductor 14 may be activated to draw chemicals via the venturi22 into the product tank 18 as explained further below. During thisfilling operation, the plumbing system 16, and in particular, theventuri 22, creates a suction effect in the eductor 14 to draw out thechemicals from the eductor 14. In other words, the chemicals are drawnthrough the vortex prevention adapter 32, the outlet 34, and the hose24, through the venturi 22 and through the hose 26 to the product tank18. The vortex prevention adapter 32 prevents the formation of a vortexin the lower portion of the volumetric space 30 of the eductor 14, whichin turn prevents or reduces the amount of air in the plumbing system 16and/or the product tank 18, enabling more efficient operations involvingthe spraying and rinsing processes when compared to such operationsinfiltrated with air. As the mixing of chemicals in the fresh water fillprocess is generally known to those having ordinary skill in the art,further description of that process is omitted here for brevity.

FIG. 4A is a schematic diagram that illustrates, in side elevation,cut-away view, the eductor 14 of FIG. 3 equipped with the vortexprevention adapter 32. It should be appreciated by one having ordinaryskill in the art, in the context of the present disclosure, thateductors or chemical containers of other designs with fewer, additional,or different features may be used and hence are contemplated to bewithin the scope of the disclosure. Aside from the vortex preventionadapter 32, the components of the eductor 14 are known, and include thelid 36 and the container 28. The lid 36 is pivotable about an axis andis opened and closed by an operator (or other personnel) to enable thedispensing of chemicals within the volumetric space 30. In oneembodiment, the volumetric space 30 comprises volume indicators 48 thatindicate to an operator filling the container 28 the volume of thechemical based on its level in the container 28 relative to theindicators 48. In one embodiment, the volume indicators 48 are posted inunits of liters, but in some embodiments, other volume units may beused, and in some embodiments, the volume indicators 48 may be omitted.The lid 36 further includes a rinsing nozzle 38 disposed in a surface(e.g., secured and penetrating the surfaces) of the lid 36, the rinsingnozzle 38 used to clean the inside of the eductor 14. At the container28, another rinsing nozzle 40 is disposed through a surface (e.g.,secured and penetrating the surfaces) of the container 28 and used bythe operator to rinse out chemical containers once the chemical isdispensed by the operator into the container 28. Further disposed in thesurfaces of the container 28 are mixing nozzles 42 (e.g., 42A, 42B, and42C). Though shown in FIG. 4 using three (3) mixing nozzles 42, a feweror greater number may be used in some embodiments. The mixing nozzles 42are used to mix liquids and powders with water that is fed from a freshwater supply and/or the water tanks 12 (and 20) via the plumbing 16.Also depicted in FIG. 4 is a parallelogram structure reaction upper arm44A that is attached (shown unattached for illustration in FIG. 4A) to aparallelogram structure lower arm 44B to support the eductor 14 and makeit foldable. A gas spring 46 is used to carry the weight of the eductor14 to make the folding operation easier for the operator. Also shown infragmentary view is a portion of the plumbing system 16 (e.g., hose 26)to provide a conduit for transport of the liquid or powder chemicalsfrom the eductor 14 to the product tank 18. At the lower end (e.g.,bottom) of the volumetric space 30 is the vortex prevention adapter 32,which is mounted to the outlet 34.

Note that the vortex prevention adapter 32 comprises a defined heightthat is a fraction of the height of the container 28. The choice ofheight is based on one or (more typically) more parameters, includingthe volume of the eductor 14, the surface area and/or shape of thecontainer 28 (e.g., of the volumetric space 30, including the diameterof the eductor bowl, such as with a wider bowl diameter, the lower thelevel of the fluid surrounding the vortex prevention adapter 32 for thesame volume (e.g., five (5) liters)), the suction capacity (e.g., of the(hydraulic) pump), the speed of the pump (e.g., revolutions per minuteor RPM), and the configuration of the vortex prevention adapter 32(e.g., the number of blades, shape of the blades, etc.). In the examplevortex prevention adapter embodiment depicted in FIG. 4B and FIGS.5A-5C, described further below, the height (H, from peak to bottom ofthe vortex prevention adapter 32, as shown in FIG. 5A) is approximately135 millimeters (mm), and is based on an eductor environment where thevolume of fluid in the tapered, volumetric space 30 surrounding thevortex prevention adapter 32 (between the top and bottom of the vortexprevention adapter 32) amounts to about five (5) liters, with a pumpcapacity of about 150 L/min (or 2.5 L/sec), resulting in a fluid dynamicwhere in two (2) seconds, the five (5) liters of fluid are drained.These values are mere examples, with other values for these parameterscontemplated within the scope of the disclosure.

FIG. 4B shows a close-up, side elevation view of the vortex preventionadapter 32 of FIG. 4A, where the vortex prevention adapter 32 comprisesa blade assembly 50 comprising plural blades 52 coupled to a centerportion 54 and a gasket 56 on which the blade assembly 50 is mounted.The gasket 56 comprises a ring-shaped structure, with a circumferentialrecessed portion 58 in which a sealing member 60 is placed. Forinstance, the sealing member 60 may comprise an 0-ring that fixes thevortex prevention adapter 32 and suction adapter (e.g., outlet 34) andseals the area between them. The sealing member 60 may be comprised ofan elastomeric material or other known sealing material.

Having described an example system 10 and eductor 14 in which anembodiment of a vortex prevention adapter 32 may be used, attention isnow directed to FIGS. 5A-5C, which illustrate, in various views, anembodiment of a vortex prevention adapter 32A. The vortex preventionadapter 32 is depicted with a blade assembly 50 comprising four (4)blades 52 (e.g., 52A, 52B, 52C, and 52D) and four (4) members 62 (e.g.,62A, 62B, 62C, and 62D), each extending between and coupled to a centerportion 54 and the gasket 56 (which comprises a ring-shaped design). Itshould be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art, in thecontext of the present disclosure, that the example vortex preventionadapter 32A is one illustrative example, and that some embodiments maycomprise a different quantity of blades, members, and/or a differentgeometric configuration of the blades and/or members. In such cases ofthese different embodiments, some of the description below may bealtered, as should be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in theart. In some embodiments, additional blades 52 may result in fewermembers 62. For instance, in one embodiment, for the same diametergasket 56, members 62 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 5C) may all be replacedwith blades 52. In one embodiment, the blade assembly 50 comprises atleast three (3) blades. In one embodiment, the blade assembly 50consists of anywhere between three (3) to six (6) blades, inclusive. Insome embodiments, the blade assembly 50 consists of anywhere betweenthree (3) to eight (8) blades, inclusive. The vortex prevention adapter32A may be comprised of metal, plastic, or other material, entirely ofone material (absent the sealing member) or as a combination of pluraldifferent materials. For instance, the vortex prevention adapter 32A maybe comprised of polypropylene, GF 30, which is typical in the industry,though not limited to this type of material. In general, the material(s)selected for the vortex prevention adapter 32A should withstandprolonged and/or repeated chemical exposure. In one embodiment, thevortex prevention adapter 32A is an apparatus that may be fabricatedusing plural components that are attached to, or integrated with, eachother according to any one or a combination of a variety of securingmechanisms (e.g., using any one or a combination of welded, tacked,adhesives, screws, rivets, etc.). For instance, the blades 52 andmembers 62 may be comprised of metal material, and welded to the centerportion 54, and secured to the gasket 56 (e.g., welded, screwed, etc.).In some embodiments, the vortex prevention adapter 32A may be comprisedentirely of an integrated assembly (e.g., the assembly made in oneprocess) based on formation according to an injection molded or 3Dprinting procedure. In some embodiments, the vortex prevention adapter32A may be formed according to a cast or forging procedure. In someembodiments, only a portion (less than the entire apparatus) of thevortex prevention adapter 32A may be formed according to an integratedformation procedure (e.g., cast, injection molded, 3D print, etc.), withone or more other portions fabricated.

In one embodiment, the blades 52 are equally spaced relative to oneanother (spaced equidistantly apart), and/or the members 62 are spacedequidistantly apart relative to one another. In some embodiments, theremay be unequal spacing between the blades 52 and/or the members 62. Theblades 52 are depicted as each having the same size and shape (e.g.,same geometric configuration and dimensions), though in someembodiments, there may be differences in the shape or size between twoor more blades 52. Similarly, the members 62 are depicted as each havingthe same size and shape (e.g., same geometric configuration anddimensions), though in some embodiments, there may be differences insize and shape between two or more members 62.

In the depicted embodiment, each blade 52 comprises an outer surface 64,the outer surface 64 (e.g., 64A, 64B, 64C, and 64D) comprising multipleouter edges forming an angular, geometrical configuration, and in thedepicted embodiment, substantially a trapezoidal configuration formed bymultiple outer edges of the blade 52. Viewing one of the blades 52A ofFIG. 5A as an illustrative example, with applicability for all blades 52in one embodiment, the blade 52A comprises a top-angled surface (edge)64A, which extends at an angle from a peak of the center portion 54 to afirst point at a height between the peak and the end of the centerportion 54 (the end that is proximal to the gasket 56). Notably, thecenter portion 54 comprises one end proximal to the gasket 56 andanother end distal to the gasket 56 (at a peak formed by the bladeassembly 50), the center portion 54 extending in one embodimentvertically along a defined length, L that comprises a portion of theentire defined height of the vortex prevention adapter 32A. The outersurface 64 of the blade 52A further comprises an upright surface (edge)64B that extends from the first point vertically down to a second pointmore proximal to a height corresponding to a low end of the centerportion 54. The blade 52A further comprises a lower angled surface(edge) 64C that extends from the second point inward toward the centerportion 54 to a third point that is at a height proximal to the gasket56 and below the center portion 54. From the third point, the blade 52Acomprises a lower, upright surface (edge) 64D that extends from thethird point to the gasket 56. Each blade 52 has a similar configurationwhen, for instance, described in conjunction with the particular blade(e.g., 52B, 52C, or 52D) rotated in the position of the blade 52A inFIG. 5A. Further, it should be appreciated by one having ordinary skillin the art, in the context of the present disclosure, that the multipleedges of the outer surface 64 may be configured in other ways (e.g.,non-trapezoidal, such as more triangular in configuration), includingfewer edges, additional edges, and/or different angles, according toother geometric configurations. In one embodiment, the collection of thefirst points from the respective blades 52 that denote the transitionbetween the top-angled surface (edge) 64A and the upright surface 64Bconceptually form a circular plane as shown as a dashed circle 65 inFIG. 5C. In one embodiment, the circular plane comprises a circle 65having a larger diameter than an outer diameter of the gasket 56. Insome embodiments, the first points defining the circle 65 of thecircular plane may be of a diameter that is equal to the outer diameterof the gasket 56.

Continuing, each blade 52 also comprises an inner surface 66 having afirst inner surface 66A (or similarly, first portion) that is configuredas a straight edge coupled and adjacent to the center portion 54 (or asintegrated with the center portion 54) along the defined length, L, anda second inner surface 66B (also, second portion) that is configured inone embodiment in a curvilinear or arcuate geometry. In someembodiments, the second inner surface 66B may be configured as multipleedges (e.g., piece-wise linear or splined) or a single, straight edgedgeometry. Note that reference to the first inner surface 66A having astraight edge contemplates embodiments where the center portion 54 andthe connection to each blade 52 comprise an integrated (single-piece)assembly. The second inner surface 66B extends between the lower end(e.g., lowest end) of the center portion 54 and the gasket 56. Statedotherwise, the lower edge of each blade 52 extends from the lower end ofthe center portion 54 to the gasket 56. The gasket 56 comprises a topsurface 68 and a bottom surface 70, with a recessed portion 58 (wherethe sealing member 60, FIG. 4B, is placed) sandwiched in between the topsurface 68 and the bottom surface 70. The second inner surface 66B foreach blade 52 is coupled (e.g., fastened, welded, molded, etc.) to thetop surface 68 of the gasket 56.

The spacing between adjacent blades 52 (e.g., between the blades 52A and52B as a representative example), as best illustrated in FIG. 5C, definea first channel 74, when viewed in plan view, relative to the gasket 56.In this depicted embodiment, the first channel 74 resembles a pie-slice,having an arc segment geometry bisected (in at least one embodiment) bythe member 62A. The first channel 74 enables fluid flow through from thevolumetric space 30 (FIG. 3) and through the outlet 34 (FIG. 3).

Each member 62 extends from the lower end of the center portion 54 tothe top surface 68 of the gasket 56. In the depicted embodiment (inFIGS. 5A-5C), the members 62 are arcuate in shape. In some embodiments,the members 62 comprise multiple edges (e.g., piece-wise linear orsplined) or a single, straight-edge. In the four-blade embodimentdepicted in FIG. 5C, each of the members 62 bisect the respective firstchannels 74 formed by each pair of blades 52 relative to the gasket 56.The combination of a member 62, one of the blades 52, and the gasket 56define a filter or second channel. For instance, using blade 52A, member62A, and the gasket 56, the second channel (filter) is denoted as 76.Note that there are plural second channels (filters) 76 in the vortexprevention adapter 32, though the collective amount of second channels76 may be considered a filter assembly. The second channel 76 compriseseach of the bisected portions (e.g., pie-shaped or arc-segments) of thefirst channel 74, and in one embodiment, has a width that determineswhat particles pass through the vortex prevention adapter 32 and whichparticles do not pass through and out of the outlet 34 (FIG. 3). Inother words, the second channel 76 serves in one embodiment as a filterhaving a mesh size or filter size. In one embodiment, the width, W(determined proximal to the arcuate portion of the second channel 76closest to the gasket 56), is 20 millimeters (mm) or less, which resultsin fluid flow passing through the second channel 76 while preventingparticles having a dimension larger than 20 mm (or less, depending onthe filter size requirements). Other filter size requirements may beused based on design and application considerations, which may changethe structure and/or dimensions of the vortex prevention adapter 32.

It is noted that in some embodiments, the blades 52 alone may define thefilter, with the filter size determined by spacing between a pair ofblades 52 (e.g., adjacent one another). For instance, in one embodiment,the members 62 may be replaced by blades 52, while still retaining thesize of the filter or second channel 76 (without any members). In someembodiments, eight blades 52 may be used in addition to members 62(e.g., where filter size requirements demand the additional members inconjunction with the eight blades 52). In some embodiments, the filtersize may be determined by a different quantity of blades and/or membersdepending on the configuration of the blade assembly 50.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in thedrawings and foregoing description, such illustration and descriptionare to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive; theinvention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other variationsto the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by thoseskilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study ofthe drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. Note that variouscombinations of the disclosed embodiments may be used, and hencereference to an embodiment or one embodiment is not meant to excludefeatures from that embodiment from use with features from otherembodiments. In the claims, the word “comprising” does not exclude otherelements or steps, and the indefinite article “a” or “an” does notexclude a plurality. Any reference signs in the claims should be notconstrued as limiting the scope.

At least the following is claimed:
 1. An apparatus, comprising: aring-shaped gasket having a bottom surface and a top surface; and ablade assembly mounted on the top surface and comprising a centerportion and plural blades of a defined height, each of the bladesextending from the center portion to the top surface, each pair ofblades spaced apart and defining a first channel relative to the gasket,the first channel comprising a member extending between the centerportion and the top surface, each blade and one of the adjacent membersdefining a second channel relative to the gasket.
 2. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the second channel comprises a filter size that isconfigured to permit fluid flow and block particles greater than thefilter size.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plural bladescomprise a quantity of at least three blades.
 4. The apparatus of claim1, wherein the plural blades consists of a quantity of between three andeight blades, inclusive.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pluralblades are spaced equidistantly apart and of a same geometricconfiguration.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the pluralblades comprises an outer portion comprising multiple outer edges and aninner portion having a first portion adjacent the center portion along adefined length and a second portion extending from an end of the definedlength of the center portion to the top surface.
 7. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the center portion comprises an end proximal to thegasket and an end distal to the gasket, wherein the plural bladescollectively form a peak at the distal end relative to the proximal end,and each blade extends laterally, along an angle, a defined distancefrom the peak to a respective point located between the proximal anddistal ends.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the respective pointsof the plural blades conceptually define a circle having a same or alarger diameter than an outside diameter of the gasket.
 9. The apparatusof claim 1, wherein each member has a curved shape, a spline shape, or astraight-edge shape.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the gasketcomprises a recessed portion disposed between the top surface and thebottom surface of the gasket.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10, furthercomprising a sealing member disposed in the recessed portion.
 12. Asystem, comprising: a chemical eductor having a progressively decreasingvolumetric space that terminates at an outlet; and an apparatus disposedin the outlet, the apparatus comprising: a ring-shaped gasket having abottom surface and a top surface; and a blade assembly mounted on thetop surface and comprising a center portion and plural blades of adefined height, each of the blades extending from the center portion tothe top surface, each pair of blades spaced apart and defining a firstchannel relative to the gasket, the first channel comprising a memberextending between the center portion and the top surface, each blade andone of the adjacent members defining a second channel relative to thegasket.
 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the plural blades comprisesa quantity of at least three blades.
 14. The system of claim 12, whereineach of the plural blades comprises an outer portion comprising multipleouter edges and an inner portion having a first portion adjacent thecenter portion along a defined length and a second portion extendingfrom an end of the defined length of the center portion to the topsurface.
 15. The system of claim 12, wherein each member has a curvedshape, a spline shape, or a straight-edge shape.
 16. An apparatus,comprising: a ring-shaped gasket having a bottom surface and a topsurface; and a blade assembly mounted on the top surface and comprisinga center portion and plural blades of a defined height, each of theblades extending from the center portion to the top surface, each pairof the plural blades defining a filter based at least in part on spacingbetween the pair of plural blades.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16,wherein the blade assembly further comprises plural members that extendbetween the center portion and the top surface, wherein the pluralmembers and plural blades are arranged in alternating positions.
 18. Theapparatus of claim 17, wherein the filter is further defined based onspacing between one of the plural blades and one of the plural members.19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the filter comprises a filtersize, the filter size defined by a width between the one of the pluralblades and the one of the plural members.
 20. The apparatus of claim 16,wherein the filter comprises a filter size, the filter size defined by awidth between the pair of blades.